Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Mars presents an intriguing comparison, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches are celebrated for their meticulous refinement over the course of a year, utilizing custom housings and stems along with advanced lubrication techniques to achieve an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. These linear switches excel in providing a comfortable feel, making them ideal for users who prioritize a quiet and seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches introduce an innovative design featuring a POK stem and a unique housing blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a distinctive tactile sensation and durability that many enthusiasts appreciate. While both switches fall under the linear category, the choices made in their construction lead to different experiences—whether you lean towards the smooth, refined typing of the Jade Rosales or the innovative feel and materials of the Mars. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Mars switches differ significantly in their composition, contributing uniquely to the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This material creates a higher-pitched, crisp sound profile when the switch is activated, especially in setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and inherently absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, indicating a shift toward a more muted auditory experience that many users may find satisfying. The variation in the top housing materials highlights how they fundamentally shape the sound characteristics and overall typing experience of the switches.
Examining the bottom housings, the Jade Rosales sports a proprietary custom milky material, while the Gateron Mars utilizes POM. The custom blend used in the Bsun switch is designed to optimize both performance and sound, but it does not provide specific performance characteristics typical of established materials. In contrast, POM is beloved for its smoothness and acoustic properties, contributing a uniquely muted bottom-out sound. The differences in the materials present in the bottom housing offer unique tactile experiences upon key activation; the Jade Rosales' proprietary blend may deliver a different feel while bottoming out than the Gateron Mars's POM, which is structured to result in a rounded and softer impact sound.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches demonstrates how specific housing choices can be leveraged to achieve desired acoustic and tactile properties. While the Jade Rosales and Gateron Mars exhibit distinct sound profiles as a result of their differing top housing materials, the impact of their bottom housings further refines these experiences. Although they diverge in the auditory feedback they provide, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences for users. If the two were constructed with matching materials, one could expect similarly gratifying results—albeit expressed differently due to the individual characteristics of each housing's acoustics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means users can expect a similar initial resistance when triggering a keystroke, making both switches suitable for more extended typing and gaming sessions. However, the Jade Rosales switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has an unspecified bottom out force. Without this information, we cannot draw a direct comparison regarding the full pressure felt when bottoming out between the two. Therefore, while both actuate at 45 grams, the Jade Rosales is the heavier option due to its larger bottom out force, giving it a more pronounced feedback upon keystroke completion.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Mars linear switches, a distinct difference emerges. The Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mars switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales offers a more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users might prefer for a more deliberate typing experience. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Jade Rosales is the shorter option, making it ideal for those prioritizing responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is often praised for its remarkably quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a concern. Its refined design contributes to a subtle acoustic profile that minimizes any clacking noises during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch has a more pronounced auditory feedback with a slightly more resonant tone, adding a satisfying crispness to each keystroke. It’s important to note that the overall sound can vary depending on other factors such as your choice of keyboard design and keycap materials, but the Jade Rosales leans towards a more muted sound overall while the Mars provides a livelier sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Jade Rosales offers a buttery smooth typing experience, characterized by its polished surfaces and precise actuation. This switch is engineered for fluidity and minimal friction, making it incredibly enjoyable for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switch, while also designed for smoothness, incorporates a unique POK stem that brings a slightly different tactile response. Users report that the Mars provides a bit more resistance compared to the Jade Rosales, offering a firmer feedback that some may prefer for enhanced typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Mars linear switches aim to deliver a high-quality typing experience, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Jade Rosales excels in quietness and smoothness, making it ideal for noiseless environments, whereas the Mars provides a bit more auditory feedback and a firmer feel. Depending on your preferences, either switch can deliver great results, but the final choice will come down to whether you prioritize a softer sound and ultra-smooth action or a more pronounced auditory experience with a slightly firmer tactile response.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a typing experience. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience and appreciate a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales switch might be your ideal choice. Its meticulous refinement promises not only a satisfying feel under your fingers but also a distinctive sound profile that enhances your overall typing pleasure. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovation and are curious about unique designs, the Gateron Mars switch could intrigue you with its POK stem and durable nylon-POM blend housing. While the specific bottom-out force of the Mars is not available, these switches are known for their distinct tactile characteristics that might appeal to those who want a more responsive feel. In the end, it's about aligning your needs—if you want a consistent, smooth actuation, go for the Jade Rosales; if you're after an experimental design and might appreciate a different tactile experience, give the Mars a try. Ultimately, both switches provide different benefits, so consider what aspects matter most for your typing style and preferences.
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